New Eden Project sculpture to raise awareness for orangutans

A striking orangutan sculpture made of scrap metal has been unveiled at the Eden Project in Cornwall.

The work has been created by local James Wild to raise awareness of the threat orangutans face from habitat loss and can be found in the Project’s Rainforest Biome.

Orangutans are critically endangered as their habitat is converted to grow oil palms for use in many food and beauty products.

James said: “We are at pivotal moment in time where the future of these extraordinary creatures hangs in the balance and it was this heart-breaking fact that drove and inspired this sculpture.

“I am proud to be supporting Eden on landing this critical message about the consequences unsustainable palm oil and the dangers of human consumption.”

Dr Jo Elworthy, Eden’s director of interpretation, said: “This is a thought-provoking and striking addition to our Rainforest Biome. At Eden, we tell stories about how people rely on the natural world. This orangutan and the challenges it faces is a powerful symbol of the consequences of the destruction of habitats.”

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Discover Animals has grown out of the popular Animals, Birds and Sealife Guide, produced for several years in print by Landor Travel Publications. It became clear that there was so much more to say and share about the wonderful wildlife we can all enjoy than could be fitted into a printed guide!